Fashion: Office slick to evening chic

It's at this time of year that your calendar starts to fill with bookings: Christmas lunches, after-work drinks to catch up with clients before the end of the year and surprise invitations to parties.

But it's hard to get into the festive spirit if your attire can only be described as "stuffy corporate".

Plan some outfits that can take you from the office to the dance floor, without looking out of place at either.

For a party at the end of the workday, you will need an outfit that you are comfortable striding around the office in - but that can be ramped up a notch once knock-off time clicks over.

A good way to dress down an otherwise dressy outfit is with a pair of chunky boots or a cardigan. Pair your little black dress with knee-high boots and a jewel-coloured shrug and you'll look perfectly suited to work. Ditch the shrug and slip into some stilettos and you'll be dressed to party.

Layering is a really good way to wear two outfits in one. If you usually wear a suit to work, pop a sparkly camisole underneath and stash a pair of high heels under your desk.

When it's time to go out, ditch the suit jacket, pep up your footwear and you're ready to go.

Accessorising sometimes makes all the difference. A tailored shift dress or pencil skirt and blouse can look super-professional during the day. Ditching the jacket and adding sparkly jewellery gives your look a new lease on life.

You'll also need to update your makeup and hair when you're getting ready to leave work. Start off with a long-wearing foundation and switch to a lipstick that is one or two shades brighter or darker than the shade you'd normally wear to work. A slick of glittery bronzer will also up the glamour.

A dry shampoo is also helpful for rejuvenating hair that's been tied up all day. Use a smoothing serum to style it into loose waves.